Patients suffering from the itching, discomfort, and disfiguring effects of eczema may find that acupuncture can help relieve their symptoms, and may even have additional benefits beyond traditional medical treatments. Acupuncture offers a natural alternative to the use of strong topical drugs like corticosteroids. It is also targeted at addressing the underlying condition causing the eruptions on the skin, and treatment is typically tailored for the person's particular situation. Not only can using acupuncture for eczema help relieve the itching and skin rash caused by an existing breakout, but it may also help the person become less likely to have further breakouts afterward.
One of the benefits of acupuncture for eczema is that sufferers may be able to find relief without using the strong drugs typically prescribed by medical doctors. Eczema is usually treated with topical corticosteroids, which can cause side effects. This may be of particular concern when they are used for children, who can be especially prone to eczema. People who can control their symptoms with acupuncture may be able to avoid using these drugs.
Another benefit of using acupuncture for eczema is that the treatment is normally designed to address the individual's needs. A trained acupuncturist will talk to the patient and determine what is causing his or her eczema. The acupuncturist will use this information to decide how to best treat the person, applying needles to points on the body appropriate for the situation. Treatment is also focused on resolving the root cause of the issue, often thought to be the result of energy imbalances or malfunction of internal organs, as opposed to simply treating the symptoms. This individualized approach can make the treatment much more effective for each person than more generic treatment approaches.
Perhaps the most important aspect of using acupuncture for eczema is that it can help relieve a person's symptoms. The use of acupuncture has been found to help reduce the feelings of itching and discomfort caused by an eczema rash, and may even help clear the rash itself. It can also be used to treat feelings of stress or anxiety experienced by patients due to their discomfort and feelings of embarrassment about the condition. Some research has also indicated that patients who use acupuncture for eczema may be better able to avoid subsequent skin breakouts, particularly if they are triggered by external irritants.